Local Candidates Only

 

Job Description

 

• Passion for visual design and brand storytelling

• At least three years of professional experience as a graphic designer, ideally at a creative agency

• Portfolio that shows strong layout, typography, and creative thinking across print and digital work

• Self-motivated and dependable with strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset

• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to evolving priorities in a dynamic workplace

 

Company Overview

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The Plaid Penguin is a creative agency built for brands that refuse to follow. We create purposeful, thoughtful brands across hospitality, food, beverage, CPG, retail, and real estate by leaning into what makes each client truly unique. To us, hospitality is more than service. It is about vibrancy, emotion, and connection. We believe structure matters, but one size fits ONE, and the details are where lasting impressions are made. We partner with brands at pivotal moments, whether launching something new, growing into the next chapter, or evolving how they show up in the world, through strategy, design, creativity, and activation.

What we’re looking for

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The Plaid Penguin is seeking a full-time Graphic Designer to be part of our Charlotte, NC team. You’ll help shape work that’s bold, clear, thoughtful, and rooted in real hospitality insight. You’ll collaborate across strategy, creative, and client partners to bring ideas to life visually across brand identity, digital platforms, social campaigns, print experiences, environmental design, and more.

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Responsibilities

• Design and execute creative across a variety of client projects, including brand identities, logo systems, packaging, marketing collateral, email campaigns, advertising, social media assets, signage, and website design as needed

• Translate client business goals and marketing objectives into thoughtful, on-brand visual solutions

• Collaborate closely with creative director and brand account teams from concept development through final delivery

• Contribute original ideas and creative solutions while maintaining brand consistency and strategic intent

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing timelines, priorities, and quality standards

• Prepare production-ready files and maintain organized project documentation and file systems

• Track time accurately and work within defined project scopes and budgets

• Participate actively in creative reviews, brainstorming sessions, and campaign planning

• Stay current on design trends, tools, and best practices, particularly within Adobe Creative Suite and web platforms such as Wix

• Leverage AI tools in to enhance ideation, streamline production, and explore new creative directions
   

Required Skills and Experience

• 3 to 5 years of professional graphic design experience, ideally in a creative or branding agency environment

• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept-driven design across branding, digital, print, and packaging work

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with advanced working knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop

• Solid understanding of typography, layout, color, and visual hierarchy

• Experience designing for digital platforms and websites, with Wix experience preferred

• Ability to balance creative thinking with efficient execution and attention to detail

• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills
   

Nice to Have

• Experience contributing to brand development or rebrand projects

• Hospitality design experience, particularly within food and beverage

• Familiarity with Google Workspace tools

• Photography or photo styling experience

• Illustration and hand-drawn design skills, with the ability to apply them across branding and marketing projects

• Experience with motion design or animation

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What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Ability to work effectively under deadlines while maintaining design quality

• A collaborative mindset and willingness to take ownership of assigned projects

• Confidence presenting design work and explaining creative decisions

• A problem-solving approach with flexibility in a fast-paced agency environment

• Commitment to continuous growth, feedback, and creative excellence

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What Benefits We Offer

• Generous PTO program, including Unlimited PTO after 3 years of service

• Paid company holidays 

• Hybrid work model with remote Mondays and Fridays

• Health and dental insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% company match

• Paid leave for major life events, including maternity, bereavement (including pets), and more

• Bonus opportunities for client and employee referrals

• Pet-friendly office 🐾

• Company events and team retreats

 

COMPENSATION:

 

Salary Range ​​$50,000 to $65,000 - based on experience.
 

Equal Opportunity

We are an EOE and proudly embrace diversity in all its forms. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

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Please note: We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. While we review every application with care, we will only be reaching out to candidates whose experience aligns with the needs of the role.

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This is a HYBRID position based in our Charlotte office. While we offer flexibility where it makes sense, in-person presence is an important part of our collaborative creative culture.